How Many Slaves Work for You?

If you’re about to make yet another frivolous purchase, maybe you should keep on reading. This depressing online tool just might change your mind. Reinforcing the fact that forced labor is still alive and well in the rest of the world, the new website and mobile app measures the role that it plays in supporting our lifestyles. While most of us would like to assume the answer is zero, even the most conscientious of consumers aren’t exempt—according to Slavery Footprint’s calculator, one ecouterre writer has 22 slaves forced to work against their will. There is some good news to this story: We can help end slavery by writing to our favorite brands and demanding third-party audits of their supply chain.